What to Expect for Your First Massage

So you’re about to get your first massage. Your excited, you’ve heard great things about it, but your pretty nervous at the same time. Feeling some anxiety before your first session is completely normal (and extremely common). We decided to make it a little easier on you to hopefully help answer some common questions or concerns first time clients have. We want our clients to have a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable massage so we make sure to communicate clearly with our client to address their needs and concerns.

**This is my experience (Nina Madsen - Owner)

I got my first massage in massage school and had no idea what to expect.  I didn’t know if I needed to be totally undressed and what the pressure would be like.  Do I talk during the massage? What if I have areas that I want focused on? What if I only want one part of my body worked on rather than my whole body? Can I request this?  Will I be sore? Will I be judged based on my body size? I had so many questions. 

1.  Do I have to be completely undressed? Will I be covered?

You can undress to your comfort level.  Swedish massage (and deep tissue) is performed with lotion so you will want the massage therapist be able to apply lotion to the skin.  Most people undress but leave on their underwear.  Most women take off their bras as well so that the massage therapist can get to their full back but I don’t mind if someone leaves their bra on.  We have many people that undress fully; as I only expose the areas we are working on.  You will be covered (draped) during the session.  We want our clients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible so they can enjoy a relaxing massage experience.

 
3.  I would like deep pressure (or light pressure).  How will my massage therapist know what type of pressure I want?

Every client is different, and has a different pain tolerance, meaning what is deep for some people is medium or even light pressure for another.  We communicate clearly with our clients so that we work at the level of pressure that works best for the client, whether it is light or deep.  If at anytime you are uncomfortable, please let us know so that we can provide the most relaxing session depending on your needs and goals.

4.  What if I only want one part of my body worked on?

This (more often than not) would be considered a medical massage or “massage with a medical focus.”  We have many clients that only want their calves worked on, or just their back.  Working on one area of the body is of great benefit to someone if they are experiencing localized pain, tension and discomfort. This allows us as massage therapist to spend time in that exact area and use multiple techniques to help soften, loosen and elongate fascia, primary muscle groups and the supporting muscles that surround the area of concern..

5.  Is it ok to talk? (What if I don’t want to talk?)

We have many types of clients, some who relax more with conversation during the massage, and some with silence. We will certainly respond if you would like to talk, but we also completely respect if you want to just relax in silence - whatever makes our clients relax the most.

6.  What if I experience emotions during the massage?

Bodywork and massage can bring up a lot of emotions that can be held physically in the body.  Many theorists feel that there may be a release of energy that can bring up emotions such as sadness, anger, etc.  We provide a safe and supportive space for our clients so that if emotions do arise, we will support you without any judgment. Our main goal is to create a nurturing environment where our clients can feel safe and at home.

7.  Can I exercise after a deep tissue massage?

Exercise immediately following a deep tissue massage is generally not recommended. Deep tissue massage can change the resting length of the muscles that were worked on, and make them more prone to injury, as they will be more relaxed after a session. A general rule of thumb is to wait 18-24 hours before engaging in any rigorous exercise after a deep tissue massage.

8.  I am embarrassed about my body and I don’t want the massage therapist to judge me.

We have worked on all types and sizes of bodies, and do not judge our clients in any way shape or form.  We want our clients to feel safe and free from judgment so the experience can be relaxing and enjoyable. Our mission is to provide therapeutic and relaxing massage therapy in a supportive nonjudgmental and nurturing environment.

9.  Will I be sore after my massage?

If you are coming in for a Swedish massage, you most likely will not be sore.  If you receive a deep tissue massage, you may be sore for the next 1-2 days, depending on how your body responds and also the duration of time that you’ve had tightness or adhesions.  Deep tissue massage works by creating micro-tears in the muscle to remove stagnant blood in order to bring healthy blood flow to the area, and is a naturally inflammatory response. It then produces what is called “delayed onset muscle soreness”. (DOMS), which is the soreness you may feel that is natural and common.